Don your tracksuits for Daniel Muggleton – the foul-mouthed comedy prophet has just wrapped up his first international tour and is hitting Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Daniel's got a special on Prime Video, two stand-up albums, and a bunch of acclaim to his name. He's been selected to perform at the Sydney Comedy Festival End Of Fest Gala, and his stand-up has been seen more than 20 million times across the internet.
His observations and contributions go beyond the stage – Daniel has also appeared on SBS's 'The Feed', ABC's 'The Checkout', and he's the co-host of podcast 'Ask Us Everything' with US comedian Steve Hofstetter.
Melbourne audiences can expect a showcase of Daniel's brand of social commentary and electric crowd work, as part of this year's festivities.
We chat to Daniel about his comedy origins, what he's looking forward to about playing MICF, and just where the title of his show, 'Blinded By The Whites', originates.
You’re back after your first international tour in 2023. How did that go?
Good, but I learnt that finding free parking in a foreign country is a dark art. You just don’t know the intangibles to look for. . . It’s harder than trying to explain to an old person why one URL is real and the other is a scam. Speaking of, if anyone reading this is above the age of 70, then your Linkt account needs to be updated, please send your name, date of birth and credit card details to
What would you say was the highlight of your shows overseas?
I had multiple people fly to the UK from Europe to come see my show. As an Australian, the idea of someone subjecting themselves to international travel to listen to you talk is quite humbling. But then you remember flights are like 90 minutes and cost £20 so it’s less of a punish. Still feels good though!
You have also recently played a headline show at Sydney Opera House. How was it to headline such an iconic venue?
Pretty cool, but I’m from Sydney so like 50 per cent of people I know have played the Opera House at some point. But you know, as part of the school band, an adult dance recital or the QANTAS Youth Choir or whatever. I got paid, they didn’t, and that’s what’s important.
How did you get into comedy?
I was forced at gunpoint. They kidnapped my father and said unless you start telling jokes for a living, we’re going to release him.
What’s your favourite thing about being part of this industry?
If you know enough comedians, and have toured internationally, there’ll always be someone you can call and complain to after a bad gig. The timezones will line up, they won’t be doing anything, and together you get to make fun of an audience who paid money to see you but didn’t react in the precise way you were expecting. It’s perfect.
If you could name one person, in this industry or not, who has inspired you in your field as a comedian most, who would it be and why?
Probably Shaquille O’Neal because he proved that being the most dominant player in NBA history doesn’t prevent you from also being funnier than any Australian TV personality.
Tell us a bit about this new show – why this title?
For some reason I’ve decided that the word ‘white’ needs to appear in my show titles. I’m aiming to get more variations than Richie Benaud’s wardrobe, then move on without warning. It’s also very funny to have Nazis turn up to your show, expecting it to be pretty ‘agreeable'. . . And then leave disappointed. Call me old fashioned, but I like disappointing Nazis.
What are you looking forward to about playing MICF?
Melbourne is the only festival where I spend the full month in Australia so you actually get to see the right people finding your show. It starts a bit hit-and-miss, but then word-of-mouth happens and slowly people who actually want to hear you talk about stuff start turning up – and reacting the precise way you were expecting. Oh, and it’s also just a great city, highest level sandwich culture in the country, plus the AFL season has started. Plus, the boys from my podcast 'Flog Cabin' are in town so we’ll get that cooking as well. Just plenty of upside!
What sorts of things can audiences expect theme/topic-wise in the material of the new show?
Well, so far it seems to be a begrudging respect for old people, having sex with animals, and a very honest assessment of Bucks parties. So for any potential audience, you’ve been warned.
Daniel Muggleton plays QT Melbourne (Melbourne International Comedy Festival) 28 March-21 April.
